inset

Everyday

1. A small map, picture or box placed inside a bigger one, often in a corner. tree →
2. A piece of different material sewn or set into something, like a panel in a dress. tree →
3. (verb) To put something into a surface or a larger thing: a ring inset with a jewel. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons, maps often have an inset showing a small area in detail or where a place is in the country (for example Alaska and Hawaii on US maps). In newspapers and books, an inset photo or box adds extra information. In the UK, «INSET days» are teacher-training days when pupils have no school (from «in-service training»). Phrases: inset map, see inset, INSET day, inset with.

Examples

• The inset map shows where the island is. tree →
• Look at the inset in the corner of the page. tree →
• Alaska is shown in an inset on many US maps. tree →
• The brooch was inset with tiny pearls. tree →
• We have an INSET day on Friday, so no school! tree →
• The magazine had an inset photo of the author. tree →

Note

Past form is «inset», like «set». In the UK «INSET day» is written in capitals because it is an abbreviation. Stress: IN-set (noun), in-SET (verb).